Xmas carols restore Pearl’s stolen funds

The Specsavers team supporting Pearl Abbott (S)

Published:17:00Sunday 08 January 2012

RIPON opticians have continued their support for a city fundraiser by holding a carol concert in their shop.

Pearl Abbott, 67, raises money for charity by putting a collection bucket outside her impressively decorated home each Christmas, but as reported in the Gazette, the last two years has seen thieves steal the money left by well-wishers who come to view her Christmas lights.

This year Specsavers stepped in to help by keeping a donation box for Pearl’s appeal, in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Middle of the Road Trust, in the store.

They also staged a carol concert in the shop on Fishergate, and collected donations from customers.

Ripon Specsavers store director, Nicola Nisbet said: “Pearl’s granddaughter, Joanne is one of our dispensing assistants and when she told us about the theft of Pearl’s charity funds for the second year in a row, we knew we had to help out.

“The team threw themselves into the carol concert and we’re delighted with the money we’ve been able to raise to replace the stolen funds. Thank you to everyone who came along to support us.”

Pearl, who lives on Quarry Moor Lane, has been putting on the festive displays since Joanne and her other grandchildren were small, nearly 20 years ago.

This year Pearl invested in a heavy safe fastened down by sleepers but, despite this the collection was stolen leaving her with no way of collecting donations.